Fans are encouraged to send in a funny picture(s) with their siblings prior to the game. The best ones will be used during the game on the video board (bonus points for pictures taken at FirstEnergy Park or in BlueClaws gear). Please email all photos to Ryan Cassirer at rcassirer@blueclaws.com.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County will have a table on the concourse, and fans can take pictures with their siblings at the table and share on Twitter & Instagram using the hashtag #BCSibsDay. Winners will be selected and prizes, including tickets to a future game, will be awarded.

There will also be sibling movie clips shown throughout the game as well plus on-field promotions pitting siblings against each other.

To order tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or order online by clicking here.

BlueClaws to honor 15 heroes during pre-game ceremony on April 9th

In celebration of the start of the BlueClaws 15th season, the team will be honoring 15 BlueClaws Community Heroes on Opening Day!

Fans are encouraged to nominate their heroes – first responders, teachers, coaches, parents, or anyone else – by emailing heroes@blueclaws.com.

Please include your hero’s name, connection to the nominating individual, a description as to why they are being nominated (such as why your hero is important to you or what he/she does for your family or the community) and contact information.

15 winners will be selected and honored on the field in a pregame ceremony on Opening Day. Plus, all 15 heroes will take the field with BlueClaws players during the traditional player introductions. Each will also receive two complimentary tickets to the game.

Winners will be notified via phone call. All submissions must be made by April 1st.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Event, with BlueClaws players, returns to Sea Girt Lanes

BlueClaws Charities is proud to announce its fifth annual Bowling With The BlueClaws fundraising event returns to Sea Girt Lanes on Wednesday, April 15th. BlueClaws players will again be at the event, a great chance for kids to have a fun night out with players and Buster while raising money for a worthy cause.

The charitable bowling event takes place from 6-8pm. For just $12, participants will receive bowling shoes, a raffle ticket for a series of prizes, pizza and soda, and unlimited bowling games.

Raffles will be held throughout the night for limited edition autographed merchandise and other door prizes. In addition to prizes being given out, BlueClaws players will be there to hang out with you! All proceeds from the night will benefit BlueClaws Charities and their Community Partners.

For more information or to reserve a spot, contact JoAnne Bell at 732-901-7000 ext. 100 or at jbell@blueclaws.com. Space is limited and those interested are encouraged to book early.

BlueClaws Charities, the official charity of the Lakewood BlueClaws, is a 501c3 dedicated to supporting the underpriveleged Ocean and Monmouth counties. BlueClaws Charities has donated over $195,000 over the past three years to community organizations, including donations in the form of grants to BlueClaws Charities Community Partners.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws . Click here to view the original story.

Winning patch will be given out to all scouts at BlueClaws games this year!

The BlueClaws are holding their annual Scout Patch Design Contest to determine the official patch that will be given out to scouts at Scout Nights this summer.

Click here to download the official contest rules and a design template.

Use 10 colors or less to fill in the circle with your patch design. Please note on each sheet the scout’s name and their parent’s contact information. As a reminder, 2015 is the BlueClaws 15th season in Lakewood, so keep that in mind when designing your patch!

The winner will be decided on April 1st, and will be rewarded a ceremonial first pitch before whichever 2015 Scout Night they attend.

In order to be eligible for the contest, a Scout must be a member of a pack that has already booked its 2015 outing with the BlueClaws. For additional information about the BlueClaws Scout Program, visit www.blueclaws.com/scouts.

Once you are ready to submit your patch, you may return the form to the BlueClaws at the following address:

This year, three of the four organizations received grants in the full amount that was requested on their application. With its third year now complete, the Thunder Charities Community Grant Program has awarded $31,650 to charities in our region. The Thunder has donated over $5.4 million in goods, services and monetary donations to community organizations in its 21 year history.

“It’s great to see fun events like the ‘Thunder Charities Treasure Hunt’ raise the funds that allow us to to support so many worthwhile organizations,” said TJ Jahn, Thunder Director of Community Relations.

Thunder Charities grants are awarded annually with the goal to support organizations that enhance the educational opportunities and quality of life for children as well as programs that support the betterment of the local community in general. Applications are now available for 2015. To make a cash donation to the 2015 fund or to support Thunder Charities in another way, please reach out to TJ Jahn at 609-394-3300 ext 188 or tj@trentonthunder.com.

The Thunder, the Double A Affiliate of the New York Yankees, will begin the 2015 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 16. Season tickets, group outings, Pic-A-Plans, and Mini Plan renewals are on sale now. Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2015. For more information about tickets, fans should call 609-394-3300 or visit trentonthunder.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Trenton Thunder. Click here to view the original story.

The tenth annual Trenton Thunder Gift of Baseball program begins today, giving fans the chance to share the experience of cheering on the hometown team with underprivileged families in our community. For each Season Ticket, Pic-A-Plan and Mini Plan purchased between November 24 and December 19, the Thunder will provide tickets for families in the Holiday Gift Outreach program run by Children’s Home Society to attend a 2015 Thunder game.

“Our fans and corporate partners deserve a big “thank you” for supporting this initiative every year,” said Thunder General Manager Will Smith. “We’re hoping even more families can visit ARM & HAMMER Park next season thanks to our fans’ holiday shopping.”

In its first nine years, the Gift of Baseball program has allowed the Thunder to donate a total of 6,344 tickets to the Children’s Home Society.

“We are so grateful to the Trenton Thunder for once again sharing this wonderful ‘Gift of Baseball’ with the children we serve,” said Donna C. Pressma, CHSofNJ President and CEO. She continued, “This gift allows hundreds of our children to experience a live baseball game. It is a chance to make memories that last a lifetime, and we cannot thank the Trenton Thunder enough for always thinking of our CHSofNJ children and families.”

2015 Trenton Thunder Mini Plans go on sale December 1st. Mini plans include five or six of the most popular games on the schedule, free food at each game, a Trenton Thunder hat, a complimentary ticket to Opening Night and start as low as $60. More information about Mini Plans can be found here: MINI PLANS

Pic-A-Plans allow fans to choose any 10 or more games and like Mini Plans include free food, a limited edition hat and a free Opening Night ticket. More information about Pic-A-Plans can be found here: PIC-A-PLANS

Season Tickets are available as either a full (71 games) or half (36 games) and include a lot of perks such as early entry, special events and more. More information about Season Tickets can be found here: SEASON TICKETS

The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey provides at-risk children and their families with a range of services that empower them to achieve their potential. They are child-oriented, family focused, community based, and outcome-oriented.

The Thunder will begin the 2015 season at ARM & HAMMER Park on Thursday, April 16 against the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox). Single game tickets will go on sale in March 2015. For more information about tickets, fans should call 609-394-3300 or visit TrentonThunder.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Trenton Thunder. Click here to view the original story.

As part of the Safe at Home program, NJM made a $14,900 donation, based on $50 per run scored at ARM & HAMMER Park, to TASK. With this season’s donation, NJM’s Safe at Home program has donated more than $45,000 to local non-profits over the last three years.

“Thanks to the hard work of the Thunder offense this season and NJM Insurance, the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen can continue their mission of feeding those that are hungry and offer programs that encourage self sufficiency and improve the quality of life of their patrons,” said Thunder Director of Community Relations T.J. Jahn. “This program is precisely the type of program that the Trenton Thunder strive to promote; one that includes a great corporate partner, NJM, and enriches our community and its residents.”

“In their 21 seasons in Trenton, the Thunder have truly become an institution,” said NJM Corporate Communications Administrator Eric Stenson. “We share the Thunder’s commitment for our capital city. The Safe at Home program provides NJM a wonderful opportunity to benefit an institution like TASK, which makes such a big difference in the lives of so many people in our community.”

The 2015 season, the 22nd in franchise history, will begin on April 9 at Erie with the home opener scheduled for April 16 against the Portland Sea Dogs. Season tickets and group outings are on sale now by calling 609-394-3300. For the full schedule and more team information, please visit trentonthunder.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Trenton Thunder. Click here to view the original story.

The Lakewood BlueClaws have upgraded their fundraising program, adding a new option that will enable additional local organizations to raise money through fun nights at FirstEnergy Park.

Last year, over 150 organizations partnered with the BlueClaws to raise over $120,000 and with this new program, detailed below, that number should grow significantly.

Groups that have particiapted in the BlueClaws Fundraising Program in years past include youth sports teams and leagues, churches, Rotarys, Elks clubs, Kiwanis groups, scout troops, schools, non-profit organizations, and many others.

Fundraiser FlexBooks: For the first time this year, the BlueClaws will offer fundraising tickets in a smaller FlexBook, each with five undated vouchers valid at any 2015 BlueClaws home game. Each organization can order a minimum of 25 booklets for $35 each and re-sell them for $55 each, earning $20 per booklet and a minimum of $500.

“Several groups have asked us for a more adaptable fundraising option and we think our new FlexBooks fit the bill,” said Jim McNamara, BlueClaws Vice President of Ticket Sales & Service. “It’s a lot easier than selling candy or washing cars and it’s a quick and easy way to raise money for your organization.”

The BlueClaws original fundraising program remains intact, where organizations can reserve a minimum of 250 tickets for $7 each and re-sell them for $11, raising a minimum of $1,000. This standard fundraising program also enables partners to raise additional funds through two exclusive benefits:

Fundraising partners receive 50-cents back to their organization for each ticket that gets used at their BlueClaws game.

These two benefits are only available to partners that utilize the BlueClaws standard fundraising program and is not open to those that partner through fundraiser FlexBooks.

For more information or to become a BlueClaws fundraising partner, please call 732-901-7000 option 3.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 14 years of existence and recently eclipsed the 6-million fan plateau.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Phillies minor leaguers were presented with the Step-Up Community Service Award by Phillies Assistant General Manager Benny Looper and Director of Baseball Administration Susan Ingersoll Papaneri. (Miles Kennedy, Philadelphia Phillies)

Former BlueClaws players were honored before a weekend Phillies game as part of the organization’s Step-Up Community Service Program.

The award is given to players in the Phillies Minor League system who have shown leadership through community service. The awards will be presented by Benny Looper, Assistant GM, Player Personnel and Susan Ingersoll Papaneri, Director, Baseball Administration.

OF Dylan Cozens was recognized from the BlueClaws roster this year. Among his service included the Bowling With the BlueClaws charity fundraising event, volunteering at the BlueClaws Youth Baseball Camps, and more.

OceanFirst Foundation has now donated over $160,000 to military-based non-profit organizations through the program

OceanFirst Foundation donated $34,000 to a group of military-based non-profit organizations based on each BlueClaws home run at FirstEnergy Park as part of the 2014 Home Runs for Heroes program.

Checks were preseneted in a ceremony on the field at FirstEnergy Park on Monday.

In six years, the program has now raised $164,000 in six seasons.

Each organization was paired up with one specific inning. Each the BlueClaws hit a home run at FirstEnergy Park, OceanFirst Foundation donated $1,000 to the corresponding organization. Fundraising totals are listed below.

Organization

Inning

Home Runs

Total

Army Emergency Relief

First

4

$4,000

Chariot Riders and NJ State Family Readiness Council

Second

6

$6,000

ARMS

Third

1

$1,000

Lt. Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund

Fourth

2

$2,000

American Red Cross

Fifth

1

$1,000

Navy Marine Corp Relief Society

Sixth

5

$5,000

Blue Star Mothers – WELCOME!

Seventh

6

$6,000

Vetwork

Eighth

0

$1,000

Catholic Charities

Ninth/Extra

2

$2,000

In the table above, please note that both Chariot Riders and the NJ State Family Readiness Council received $6,000 for the six home runs the BlueClaws hit in the second inning at home this year.

Dylan Cozens led all BlueClaws with eight home runs at FirstEnergy Park, while three players – Mitch Walding, Andrew Pullin, and Wilmer Oberto – each hit three. Jim Murphy, who hit seven home runs in Lakewood in 2009 and 11 more in 2011, has accounted for $18,000 in donations and is the program’s all-time leader.

Toms River Little League team recognized in ceremony before the game

The Toms River Little League team that won the New Jersey State Little League Championship will be honored at FirstEnergy Park in a pre-game ceremony on Sunday prior to the BlueClaws 5:05 pm game against Greensboro.

The Toms River Little Leaguers won the New Jersey State Championship at the Berkeley Little League complex on July 28th, defeating Ocean City in the championship game. They then went to the Mid-Atlantic Regional in Bristol, Connecticut, where they went 4-0 in pool play before falling in the semi-finals to Newark, Delaware.

“These young players captured the attention of everyone at the Jersey Shore while they made their magical run,” said BlueClaws General Manager Chris Tafrow. “We are honored to bring them out on Sunday and give them the recognition that they deserve.”

In addition to the ceremony on Sunday, the BlueClaws could reach the 6-million fan plateau at this game. They return home on Friday night and are within 12,245 fans of the milestone.

At the game on Sunday, the first 2,000 fans 17 & under will receive a BlueClaws Back-to-School Folder. Plus, Kids Eat Free thanks to ShopRite and Kids Run the Bases after the game thanks to Brick Plaza. Adults can enjoy $2 Corona throughout the game as well.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

For pitchers and catchers ages 8-14

BlueClaws Baseball Academy will host a Pitcher/Catcher Baseball Summer Camp at FirstEnergy Park on August 12th and 13th. The event will run from 7 pm – 8:30 pm each day.

This two-day program is designed to teach players ages 8-14 how to build their individual skills as a pitcher or catcher.

Pitchers will learn proper throwing mechanics to keep them healthy during the season, along with information on proper grips for fastball and off-speed pitches. This is a drill intensive camp that will give players a multitude of new ways to practice at home.

Catchers will learn in order of responsibilities of being a catcher (receiving, blocking, throwing, tag plays, bunts and pop-ups) while learning the most specialized position on the field. Catchers camp has by far been our most popular camp. Camp will take place under the lights at FirstEnergy Park.

Each camper will receive 2 days of advanced instruction, use of the Lakewood BlueClaws facilities at FirstEnergy Park, and a FREE 1-on-1 Lesson*

For more information about our programs visit our website at Blueclawsbaseballacademy.com, check us out on FACEBOOK at BlueClawsBaseballAcademy, or follow us on Twitter @BBA_Claws.

The BlueClaws will host a Heroes & Legends Charity Softball Game at FirstEnergy Park on Friday, October 10th.

Heroes and Legends is an organization dedicated to supporting veterans rehabilitative sports programs while assisting a wide network of military-based charities.

Among the participating former athletes:Jay Johnstone – Former Phillie, Dodger & Yankee and two-time World Series ChampionJohn “The Count” Montefusco– Former SF Giant & NY Yankee who was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1975 and threw a no-hitter in 1976Stephen Baker “The Touchdown Maker” – Former NY Giant Super Bowl XXV ChampJim Dowd – Former NJ Devil and 1995 Stanley Cup ChampionBruce Harper – Former NY Jet running backKeith Elias – Former Princeton and NY Giant running backJeff Frazier – Former Detroit Tiger and Toms River Little League HeroJohnny Petraglia – PBA Bowler Member of Pro Bowling Hall of FameParker Bohn – PBA Bowler Member of Pro Bowling Hall of Fame

Todd Frazier of the Cincinnati Reds, and a member of the 1998 Toms River East Little League World Series Championship team, and Frankie Edgar, Toms River native and former UFC Champion, will also make appearances at the event.

TICKETS: Tickets for the event are $10 for adults, $5 for children (kids under 5 are free), and $5 for enlisted or active military. Tickets are on sale now by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online by clicking here.

There will be a Home Run Derby beginning at 5:30 pm and the softball game itself will begin at 7:00 pm.

The program is dedicated to supporting veterans rehabilitative sports programs and charities honoring our Heroes past and present.

The Heroes Team is The Purple Heart Heroes All Star Team all of whom have been awarded the Purple Heart for their meritorious service.

Proceeds from this event will benefit Sanctuary Island, a non-profit organization that serves Wounded Warriors and other disabled to enhance health, literacy, life experience, and self esteem.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Don’t Forget: Please eat before donating. All equipment used during the procedure is sterile and disposable. Donors must be healthy, be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 120 pounds. Donors must present signature ID.

July 26th is also BruceClaws Night, presented by Central Jersey Blood Center. It’s the BlueClaws annual tribute to Bruce Springsteen. Only Springsteen music will play throughout the night. Plus there will be a special jersey auction with all proceeds benefiting BlueClaws Charities, special Springsteen-themed promotions, and more.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

Donors will receive a ticket to a BlueClaws Saturday game in August

United Way of Monmouth County, United Way of Ocean County and the Lakewood BlueClaws are teaming up for a book drive to benefit area children. Fans attending the game on July 11th at 7:05pm are asked to bring a NEW book(s) appropriate for kids in grades K-3 to the United Way table inside the stadium. For each book donated, they will receive a voucher for a Saturday BlueClaws home game in August. Families can receive up to 4 ticket vouchers.

About The Game: The BlueClaws game on Friday night, July 11th begins at 7:05 pm with the gates opening at 6:00 pm. After the game, there will be a fireworks spectacular thanks to Philadelphia Water Ice. For tickets, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here to order online.

In Monmouth County, the books will be distributed through the Early Grade Reading Initiative. This effort provides high quality holistic learning opportunities in the summer. When children are not exposed to sufficient reading or enrichment experiences throughout the summer, it’s easy to fall behind academically creating a “Summer Slide” – and it’s very difficult to catch up. But with the right opportunities, including the ability to learn during the summer, all children can flourish.

These summer programs are designed to focus not only on learning, literacy and reading, but also additional enrichment activities, such as arts, music, physical activity and nature/outside play. Children participating in the program will receive books courtesy of community drives, like the one being held at the BlueClaws.

When children are out of school for the summer they often lose access to books. United Way of Ocean County is collecting books to provide mini home libraries to children of several of our partner agencies. Our goal is to inspire young people to remain engaged in learning while developing their communication skills and imaginations.

For more information about summer early grade reading grants, please contact United Way of Monmouth County at 732-938-5988 or info@uwmonmouth.org. To learn more about the United Way or its Community Impact agenda, please visit uwmonmouth.org.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

First of two Phanatic visits this year

The BlueClaws welcome the Phillie Phanatic to FirstEnergy Park on Thursday, June 19th, and at the game, they will hold their annual Troop Supply and Care Package Drive.

The Phanatic, the world’s most famous mascot, makes the first of two trips to the ballpark this summer and between innings, he will entertain fans like only he can. The Phanatic’s appearance is presented by OceanFirst Bank.

Boxes will be set up for the Troop Supply and Care Package Drive in the front of the ballpark and fans are encouraged to donate razors, snacks, baby wipes, shampoo, soap, non-chocolate candies and sweets, sun block with SPF 40+, lip balm, writing utensils, silly string, deodorant, tissues, q-tips, white socks, batteries, insect repellent, and flashlights.

The BlueClaws will also be collecting, as always, gently used cell phones at the NJNG Information Booth to benefit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

This supply and care package drive is in conjunction with the Monmouth-Ocean Central Labor Council Military Committee, Monmouth-Ocean Building Trade Council, National Guard, Toms River Armory, A.R.M.S, and IBEW Local 400 Military Committee.

“Military Appreciation Night here in Lakewood has been a great event these last nine years,” said Pat O’Keefe of the IBEW Local 400 Military Committee. “It’s great to see the local community come out and support the event and our Troops overseas.”

The Troop Supply and Care Package Drive takes place on Military Appreciation Night, where military groups will take in the game and there will be various pre-game ceremonies honoring military members.

For more in Military Appreciation Night, call Jim McNamara at 732-901-7000 ext 176.

Thirsty Thursday – This is also a 66MVP Thirsty Thursday, with dollar beer and soda plus 50-cent wings in the Coors Light WRAT Trap.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

This marks the third straight year the event will be at TGI Friday’s in Brick. There will be two seatings: one at 5:30 and another at 7:00. As in years past, BlueClaws players will be serving as the waiters, and coaches will serve as bartenders.

20% of every check, plus 100% of all tips, will be donated directly to the ALS Association of Greater Philadelphia.

Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 732-262-0937.

“This has been a wonderful partnership between the BlueClaws and the ALS Association over the last 13 years and we are looking forward to what is always a great event,” said Jim DeAngelis, BlueClaws Director of Community Relations.

“The Phillies and their family have raised money to fight ALS for 30 years and here at the minor league level, the BlueClaws have been able to do the same since our inception in 2001,” he added.

The ALS Celebrity Waiter event has raised nearly $125,000 in its first 13 years.

There will also be a silent auction, while BlueClaws players will sign autographs and pose for pictures throughout the night.

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League in attendance in all 13 years of existence.

Tickets for all remaining BlueClaws games are on sale by calling 732-901-7000 option 2 or online at BlueClaws.com.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

The BlueClaws have partnered with OceanFirst Foundationand Stop & Shopto raise money for local organizations when a BlueClaws batter hits a home run or when a BlueClaws pitcher strikes out an opposing hitter at FirstEnergy Park this summer.

OceanFirst Foundation’s Home Runs for Heroes
The BlueClaws and OceanFirst Foundation have again partnered on Home Runs for Heroes, a program that raises money for local military-based non-profit organizations. Each inning of the game is tied in with a local military-based organization. Each time the BlueClaws hit a home run in Lakewood, OceanFirst Foundation makes a donation of $1,000 to that organization. For a rundown of charities, please click here.

The program is now in its sixth season and has raised over $120,000 so far. For more on OceanFirst Foundation, click here.

Stop & Shop’s Strike Out Hunger
The BlueClaws and Stop & Shop have again partnered on the Strike Out Hunger campaign, through which Stop & Shop makes a donation to the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties for every BlueClaws strikeout by a pitcher in Lakewood this year. Last year, the program raised over $10,000 for the Food Bank, which supports over 260 pantries and soup kitchens at the Jersey Shore.

Further, this year, as part of their 100th anniversary celebration, Stop & Shop will give out a $100 gift card to one lucky fan each time the BlueClaws reach a 100-strikeout milestone this year (100th, 200th, etc strikeout of the year).

The BlueClaws are the Jersey Shore’s top stop for affordable, family entertainment. They have led the South Atlantic League and New Jersey in attendance in all 13 years of existence. For tickets to any BlueClaws home game, call 732-901-7000 option 2 or click here.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.

BlueClaws open series with Kannapolis (White Sox)

Wednesday night at FirstEnergy Park includes both a Home Show and Breast Cancer Awareness Night as the BlueClaws open up a three-game series with the Kannapolis Intimidators (White Sox) at 6:35 pm.

The annual Home Show at FirstEnergy Park includes vendors that specialize in home improvements and decor will be located all around the concourse. Fans can visit their tables and learn how they can improve their homes over the summer! Over 20 vendors will be present at the game at tables around the ballpark.

Don’t Forget: Please eat before donating. All equipment used during the procedure is sterile and disposable. Donors must be healthy, be at least 16 years of age and weigh at least 120 pounds. Donors must present signature ID.

This article originally appeared on the official website of the Lakewood BlueClaws. Click here to view the original story.